“No statistically significant differences in childhood cancer, leukaemia or other radiosensitive cancer incidence were observed, with the exception of statistically significant elevated lung cancer incidence among women,” says the study.

However, the difference in women’s lung cancer “was reduced or disappeared when the comparison was made to populations with similar socio-economic characteristics,” the study said.

It was carried out by scientists from Health Canada’s Radiation Protection Bureau, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

The researchers looked at cancer cases in the town between 1992 and 2007, and compared the incidence with trends across Canada.

The study looked at all cancers combined, and zeroed in as well on cancers known to be sensitive to radiation.

“Overall, the incidence of all cancers combined in Port Hope from 1992 to 2007 was similar to the Ontario and Canadian population, and health regions with similar socio-economic characteristic,” the researchers report.

“We found no consistent differences in the incidence of thyroid, breast, ovary, stomach, colon (excluding rectum), bladder, brain or liver cancer or leukaemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among those aged 0–85.”

The researchers also reported no elevated levels of childhood cancer for those living in the area.

Although the study found a somewhat higher level of lung cancer among women in Port Hope, the researchers conclude it is “most likely due to historically higher smoking rates among residents.”

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